Shoelace Centering Device

ABSTRACT

A shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length is provided. The shoelace centering device comprises a first securing portion and a second securing portion. A hinge connection is provided between the first and second securing portions with the hinge connection allowing the first and second securing portions to move from a non-contacting open position to a contacting closed position. A locking mechanism releasably secures the first and second securing portions in the contacting closed position. Upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first and second securing portions when the first and second securing portions are in the non-contacting open position. Upon releasably securing the first and second securing portions together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/327,989 filed Apr. 26, 2016, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “C Lace,” which is incorporated herein by reference as though the same were set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of footwear, and more specifically to the field of shoelace accessories providing a simple compact fitting that securely holds a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe or boot and effortlessly keeps opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

An inconvenience shared by virtually all individuals who wear lace up shoes is how tying ends of a shoelace become unequal in length. A person meticulously centers the shoelaces so the tying ends are equal in length, ties the laces into a bow and proceeds to move through their day. Despite having a bow knot in the tied laces, the tie ends somehow manage to become unequal in length again, and the wearer has to center the laces again the next time they wear the shoes. This inconvenience of shifting shoelaces seems to be a vexing annoyance of wearing footwear with shoelaces.

The prior art has put forth several designs for shoelace accessories. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 8,621,723 to Callahan Meissner describes a method of altering the appearance of an item. A user obtains an apparatus for comprising an ornament connected to an elastic loop and deforming the elastic loop. The user inserts a component of the item into the deformed loop. The user constricts the loop around said component, wherein the item is a hooded sweatshirt and the component is a pull string thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,769 to Terri Annette Murray and Jennifer Wimsatt Mazur describes a clip that is secured to an item, typically a shoe, fitted by using a closure device such as a shoelace. The clip includes a base extending between a back end and a forward end. The base defines a bottom surface. A loop extends over the base to receive a portion of the shoelace. The clip includes a fastener fixedly secured to the forward end for selectively securing an ornament for display on top of the shoe over the tongue of the shoe.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,020 to Ben Sy Yun describes an eye stay ornament for a laced shoe that adds an aesthetic accent to the appearance of the shoe. A central marquee with multiple display faces is rotatably mounted to a pin that is captured in collars integrated to buckles on each end of the central marquee. The buckles are receive a shoe lace woven there through to install the ornament on the instep area. Rotating the central marquee provides a quick and easy way to change the appearance of the ornament.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a simple compact fitting that securely holds a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe or boot and effortlessly keeps opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

The present invention is a shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length. The shoelace centering device comprises a first securing portion having a first outer perimeter edge and a second securing portion having a second outer perimeter edge. A hinge connection is provided between the first securing portion and the second securing portion with the hinge connection allowing the first securing portion and the second securing portion to move from a non-contacting open position to a contacting closed position. A locking mechanism releasably secures the first securing portion to the second securing portion in the contacting closed position. Upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion when the first securing portion and the second securing portion are in the non-contacting open position. Upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length. The method comprises providing a first securing portion, providing a second securing portion, hingedly connecting the first securing portion and the second securing portion, positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion, moving the first securing portion and the second securing portion together, releasably securing the first securing portion to the second securing portion, anchoring the shoelaces from shifting, and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

The present invention further includes a shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length. The shoelace centering device comprises a first securing portion having a first outer perimeter edge and a second securing portion having a second outer perimeter edge. A hinge connection is positioned between the first securing portion and the second securing portion along a portion of the first outer perimeter edge and the second outer perimeter edge with the hinge connection biasing the first securing portion and the second securing portion into a non-contacting open position. A locking mechanism releasably secures the first securing portion to the second securing portion together in a contacting closed position. Upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion when the first securing portion and the second securing portion are in the non-contacting open position and upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a shoelace centering device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, molded to a tongue of a sports shoe with crossed shoelaces passing therethrough.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the shoelace centering device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, mounted to the sports shoe.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the shoelace centering device, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing a snap on clip latch design in a closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the shoelace centering device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, showing the snap on latch design in an open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the shoelace centering device of FIGS. 3 and 4, constructed in accordance with the present invention, mounted onto the shoelace of a men's oxford shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, hereinafter referred to as a Shoelace Centering Device, indicated generally at 10, is a simple compact fitting that securely holds a shoelace 12 centered between bottom eyelets 14 of a shoe 16 or boot and effortlessly keeps opposite tie ends of the shoelace 12 even in length. A first embodiment of the Shoelace Centering Device 10, as best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, is incorporated into production of new sneakers, boots, and laced shoes 16 of all kinds as a permanent component molded integrally to a tongue of the shoe 16. A second embodiment of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 is constructed as a snap on aftermarket accessory to be applied on shoelaces of existing shoes 16 and sneakers as a spring loaded clip latch.

The Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention includes a first securing portion 18 having a first outer perimeter edge and a second securing portion 20 having a second outer perimeter edge. The first securing portion 18 is hingedly connected along a hinge connection 19 to the second securing portion 20 along a portion of the first outer perimeter edge and the second outer perimeter edge. When the first securing portion 18 is positioned against the second securing portion 20, the Shoelace Centering Device 10 is in a closed position with the first outer perimeter edge aligned with the second outer perimeter edge with no overlap of either the first outer perimeter edge or the second outer perimeter edge.

If the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention has a substantially rectangular shape, preferably the hinge connection 19 between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 is no longer than the length of one of the sides. If the Shoelace Centering Device 10 is substantially round or elliptical shape, preferably the length of the hinge connection 19 between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 is no longer than one-half the length of the circumference.

In a preferred embodiment, the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention is molded in a single piece. Preferably, the Shoelace Centering Device 10 is constructed from a resilient plastic material with the hinge connection 19 being constructed from a narrow sliver of material between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20. As stated, the sliver of material biases the first securing portion 18 in a general direction away from the second securing portion 20 causing the Shoelace Centering Device 10 to bias toward the open position, it should be noted that while the hinge connection 19 between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 has been described as being formed during the construction of the Shoelace Centering Device 10, it is within the scope of the present invention for the hinge connection 19 to be a separate mechanical hinge mounted to and between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20.

Preferably, since the hinge connection 19 between the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention is constructed from a single piece of resilient plastic material, the hinge connection 19 is “spring loaded” causing the first securing portion 18 to be biased away from the second securing portion 20 into an open position. To move the Shoelace Centering Device 10 into the closed position, the user simply overcomes the bias of the spring hinge connection 19 to move the first securing portion 18 into contact with the second securing portion 20 thereby releasably securing the shoelaces 12 therein, as will be described in further detail below.

In addition, the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention includes a locking mechanism 22 for releasably securing the Shoelace Centering Device 10 in the closed position. Preferably, the locking mechanism 22 is a finger 24 extending from the first outer perimeter edge of the first securing portion 18, opposite the hinge connection 19, which interacts with a nub 24 or the like formed the second outer perimeter edge of the second securing portion or interacts directly with the second outer perimeter edge. When the first securing portion 18 is moved close to the second securing portion 20, the locking mechanism 22 releasably secures the first securing portion 18 to the second securing portion 20 thereby releasably securing the shoelaces 12 therein, as will be described in further detail below.

Each rectangular embodiment, both permanent and snap on, of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention preferably measures approximately two (2 cm) centimeters in length, height, and width. As set forth above, each embodiment of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 is constructed from injection molded plastic configured to anchor a center point of a bottom shoelace 12 in place. Anchoring the bottom shoelace 12 prevents the shoelaces 12 from shifting during wear.

Use of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention is simple and straightforward. A user unlaces the shoe 16 to be equipped until the shoelace 12 runs through one of the bottom eyelets 14 located opposite of each other. The user lightly presses opens the locking mechanism 22 or, in another embodiment, the flat tab on top of the Shoelace Centering Device 10, freeing the spring loaded hinge connection 19 and pulls the free end of the shoelace 12 through the clasp and through the open bottom eyelet 14. The user pulls both ends of the shoelace 12 in outward opposite directions and ensures each end is of equal length extending from each side of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 centered between the shoelaces 12. The user firmly presses the locking mechanism 22 of the Shoelace Centering Device 10 to releasably secure the first securing portion 18 and the second securing portion 20 about the shoelace 12 securely at its center point. The user ties a bow in the shoelace 12, knots the bow, and proceeds to move as usual.

The Shoelace Centering Device 10 of the present invention is constructed as an accessory embellishment in a myriad range of colors, patterns, letters, words, messages, logos, and emblems More than totally utilitarian, the Shoelace Centering Device 10 becomes a fashion statement for kids, teens and adults. The snap on embodiments can be mixed and switched as often as a user changes their dress and style. Durably constructed of high quality materials and components, a pair of Shoelace Centering Devices 10 will withstand many years of use.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. A shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length, the shoelace centering device comprising: a first securing portion having a first outer perimeter edge a second securing portion having a second outer perimeter edge; a hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion, the hinge connection allowing the first securing portion and the second securing portion to move from a non-contacting open position to a contacting closed position; and a locking mechanism for releasably securing the first securing portion to the second securing portion in the contacting closed position; wherein upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion when the first securing portion and the second securing portion are in the non-contacting open position; and wherein upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.
 2. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion are molded integrally to a tongue of the shoe.
 3. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein the first securing portion is hingedly connected to the second securing portion along a portion of the first outer perimeter edge and the second outer perimeter edge.
 4. The shoelace centering device of claim 3 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion have a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion is no longer than the length of one of the sides.
 5. The shoelace centering device of claim 3 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion have a substantially round or elliptical shape, wherein the length of the hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion is no longer than one-half the length of the circumference.
 6. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the first outer perimeter edge aligns with the second outer perimeter edge with no overlap of either the first outer perimeter edge or the second outer perimeter edge relative to each other.
 7. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion is molded in a single piece of a resilient plastic material.
 8. The shoelace centering device of claim 7 wherein the hinge connection is a narrow sliver of material between the first securing portion and the second securing portion.
 9. The shoelace centering device of claim 8 wherein the sliver of material biases the first securing portion and the second securing portion into the non-contacting open position.
 10. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein the hinge connection biases the first securing portion and the second securing portion into the non-contacting open position.
 11. The shoelace centering device of claim 1 wherein the locking mechanism is a finger extending from the first outer perimeter edge of the first securing portion, opposite the hinge connection, and a nub formed the second outer perimeter edge of the second securing portion, wherein the finger releasably interacts with the nub.
 12. A method for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length, the method comprising: providing a first securing portion having a first outer perimeter edge; providing a second securing portion having a second outer perimeter edge; hingedly connecting the first securing portion and the second securing portion; positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion; moving the first securing portion and the second securing portion together; releasably securing the first securing portion to the second securing portion; anchoring the shoelaces from shifting; and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.
 13. A shoelace centering device for securely holding a shoelace centered between bottom eyelets of a shoe and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length, the shoelace centering device comprising: a first securing portion having a first outer perimeter edge; a second securing portion having a second outer perimeter edge; a hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion along a portion of the first outer perimeter edge and the second outer perimeter edge, the hinge connection biasing the first securing portion and the second securing portion into a non-contacting open position; and a locking mechanism for releasably securing the first securing portion to the second securing portion together in a contacting closed position; wherein upon positioning the bottom eyelet shoelaces between the first securing portion and the second securing portion when the first securing portion and the second securing portion are in the non-contacting open position; and wherein upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the shoelaces are anchored from shifting and maintaining opposite tie ends of the shoelace even in length.
 14. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion are molded integrally to a tongue of the shoe.
 15. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion have a substantially rectangular shape, wherein the hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion is no longer than the length of one of the sides.
 16. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion have a substantially round or elliptical shape, wherein the length of the hinge connection between the first securing portion and the second securing portion is no longer than one-half the length of the circumference.
 17. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein upon releasably securing the first securing portion and the second securing portion together in the contacting closed position, the first outer perimeter edge aligns with the second outer perimeter edge with no overlap of either the first outer perimeter edge or the second outer perimeter edge relative to each other.
 18. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein the first securing portion and the second securing portion is molded in a single piece of a resilient plastic material.
 19. The shoelace centering device of claim 18 wherein the hinge connection is a narrow sliver of material between the first securing portion and the second securing portion, the sliver of material biasing the first securing portion and the second securing portion into the non-contacting open position.
 20. The shoelace centering device of claim 13 wherein the locking mechanism is a finger extending from the first outer perimeter edge of the first securing portion, opposite the hinge connection, and a nub formed the second outer perimeter edge of the second securing portion, wherein the finger releasably interacts with the nub. 